Eddie Keher believes the current Kilkenny team will go down as the greatest hurling has ever seen, even if they are denied the five-in-a-row by Tipperary.

Cats legend Keher is confident Brian Cody's side will rewrite the history books on Sunday and has also lauded them for their "manliness".

He said: "I think they can do it, definitely. These lads just love hurling, they have a great passion for the game.

"Their attitude is perfect, but what's most impressive about them is their manliness There's no throwing themselves down, no trying to get their opponents yellow-carded or sent off. That is something coming more and more into hurling and football.

"I think our lads are honest players, and regardless of what happens they're the best team ever, for overall consistency, certainly they're the best I've ever seen. I believe they're going to do the five in a row."

Meanwhile, Keher's former team-mate Pat Henderson is refusing to underestimate Tipperary's challenge ahead of Sunday's date with destiny.

"I think Kilkenny are in the right frame of mind, and if the injuries don't kill us - and by that I mean whether it's right to play Henry Shefflin and John Tennyson or not - that could have a big bearing on it," he said.

"Tipperary will be coming as strong, if not stronger, than last year, but Kilkenny - if the injuries don't prove to be a problem - are stronger also. I'd be familiar with Tipp, they won't fear Kilkenny.

"They will come with a lot of determination, a lot of skill, and that experience gained from last year. They should have learned from that defeat, and if they have, they'll be hard to beat. But I think Kilkenny will do it." Tweet

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